Food Labeling Analysis

Nutrition labeling is when a standardized design is used in labeling nutrition details of packaged food in the market (WHO, 2012). Most countries have put in place an obligation on providing details of nutrition information on packaged food (WHO, 2012). This act seems to promote purchasing of nutritious food by the public particularly those who read labels before buying (Farooqi and O'Rahilly, 2005). Providing details of nutrition levels on packaged food is visualized as an essential act of guiding people into making informed food options (WHO, 2011). Generally due to limitation on understanding of nutritional information provided to packaged food products, interpretive labelling can guide consumers in understanding the nutrition information

The red color indicates high concentrated, amber show medium concentration and green mark that concentration levels are low. The main aim of the introduced traffic lights labeling is to provide simplified and much easy to understand nutritional levels of food that can be interpreted by everyone regardless their educational levels (who, 2012). Analysis reports show that compared to other formats for labeling, the general public especially the low socio-economic population favor the traffic lights labeling since it is much easier to comprehend and interpret (Kelly et al, 2009 and Gorton et al, 2009). Based on research done in Germany and the UK, labeling food using traffic lights heighten the ability of the public to pinpoint healthier packaged food choices (Borgmeier & Westenhoefer, 2009). After introduction of traffic lights in the UK, sales for breakfast cereals containing amber and green light doubled while sales for pre-prepared frozen meat having red lights reduces by 35% (Gill, et al, 2011). The Traffic Light food labeling approach seems to assist consumers into making informed food and drinks purchasing choice. It makes healthier food much easier to identify and raise its demand (WHO, 2012). Based on a report by Lancet, this approach

While data and evidence on efficacy regarding this approach is limited, there is enough evidence on the impact of implementation of services on a population level through mass media (WHO, 2009, WHO, 2011). For example, in 1996 Brazil launched the Agita São Paulo programme which is a social marketing campaign that encourage and promote continuous physical fitness activities through mass media communication among the 37 million populations (WHO, 2012). This programme has been put into practice across Brazil and other countries in Latin America ever since it was initiated (White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity, 2010). The programme mainly aims for three main populations namely workers, students and the elderly (WHO, 2012). This approach aim to educate empowers, encourage and promote the public to continuously partake in moderate vigorous activities for at minimum 30 minutes most days of each week (WHO,